I Sew For Fun Blog Hop and Giveaway

Today we feel lucky to be a part of the “I Sew For Fun” Blog Hop.

“I Sew For Fun” is a new book written by Nancy Zieman. It was written with her granddaughters Avery, Luella, and Adeline in mind.

The whole idea of the book is teaching a love for sewing by working together as partners and having FUN! The book is written for the mother, grandmother, aunt, etc. to help walk them through how to create terrific projects that are perfect for little hands and young minds.

The projects in the book teach the basics of sewing while creating fun items that those sewing them up are sure to love.

Projects like this cape:

And this darling owl:

But Nancy thought of everything so not only did she write a book but she created an entire line of sewing notions to go along with it.

Everything from a seam guide to a magnetic pin caddy…and they are all done up in a fresh mint and purple color scheme. (For more information about the notions you can click HERE.)

She also developed an entire line embroidery designs that are perfect for little ones to work with.

Then last but not least…she wrote a story book to read to your budding seamstress…

The cute illustrations and soft color palette make the book just as sweet to look at as it is to read.

You know, I said at the beginning that we feel lucky to be a part of this blog hop and we really do.

We met Nancy for the first time several years ago and she was nothing but kind and gracious at every meeting. She took time to sit down with us, give us advice, treat us with kindness, and…remember our names.

We have been blessed to listen to her speak on many occasions and learn from her experience not only with sewing but with life…and that has been a blessing indeed.

When we learned of Nancy’s passing Elizabeth and I were just picking up our new line of fabric we designed for Riley Blake Designs called “Shine Bright“. The line was inspired by our girls…with all the prints created to remind them that they are brilliant and to let their lights shine.

With that in mind we have put together a package to send to one lucky reader…a collection of “I Sew” notions along with a fat quarter bundle of our “Shine Bright” fabric. We think it makes a perfect pairing.

To enter to win this package all you need to do is leave a comment telling us either who shared their light with you and taught you how to sew or who you would like to share your love of sewing with.

That’s it!

Good Luck!

And thank you Nancy for sharing your light with all of us…

(This giveaway will close on Feb. 16, 2018 and is open to residents in the continental United States only)

My grandmother taught me how to sew by hand when I was five. I still remember her bright red pin cushion! We would have cookies and laugh and laugh and laugh. Sometimes we were so loud that it would wake my grandfather up from his nap. He was not a happy camper! Such precious memories 🙂
A few months ago, my brother wanted to encourage me so he bought me the Simple Simon Guide to Patchwork Quilting. I have thus begun my journey to learn how to sew as an adult. It is so much fun! And my mom, bless her heart, just gave me her sewing machine. It was a gift given to her by my father when she was sixteen years old. They had just begun dating that year and he wanted to do something nice for her for Christmas.. So, in a nutshell, my grandmother planted the seed, you guys are watering it, and I have the blessing of learning how to sew on a family heirloom. It doesn’t get any better than this 🙂

My mother taught me to sew when I was 8. I’m teaching my granddaughters to sew, they are ages 4 and 6. I’ve let them play in my fabric scraps for years, now they are learning to guide the fabric through the machine.

When I was very young, my mom often made matching clothes for me and my older sister. After my next 3 siblings came along, she no longer had the time, yet still instilled a love of sewing in me. In 6th grade our Girl Scout troop earned the Sewing Badge and I was hooked on the hobby. Now more than 50 years later how I wish my mom was still here to see the joy that sewing and machine embroidery brings to me! Though I did teach our two busy daughters to sew, at this stage of their life, they don’t have the time. However, because of this blog promotion all week, I’ve been inspired to share my love of sewing with our 6 year old granddaughter (who lives in Florida and we’re in California) during our upcoming visit in March. {Thanks, Mom, for sharing your love of sewing with me so long ago so that I may now share this with your great-granddaughter!}

My mother taught me to sew when I was a child, then 25 years ago my best friends mother taught me quilting, and I am still making quilts. I would like this prize to help me teach my niece to sew, and maybe quilt! Thanks!

My Grandmother and Mother created many wonderful treasures and fun memories with me! I have enjoyed sewing for my grandchildren, beginning with a quilt for each when they were born. Just recently I have been thinking it is time to start passing this lifelong skill on to my six year old granddaughter. This would be perfect to help in that journey!! What fun!

My daughter stopped sewing after her sewing teacher passed away unexpectedly. I would love for her to get this so she will go back to the machine happy instead of being sad everytime she starts to sew.

I learned to sew from my mother. Her mother owned a fabric shop and made the most beautiful dresses for my mom. My mother, in turn, created beautiful dresses and clothing for me and my siblings, as well as a myriad of home decor items, lovingly stitiched. I came from a long line of women who loved to sew and create. I am passing that love of sewing and creating to my own children (all boys, all who love to sew), as I make special things just for them and teach them to sew and create on their own.

My Mother taught me to sew a little, but most basics I learned from Home Ec classes and then once I was married, I got a machine and taught myself. Since that time, I had to stop for awhile to raise my boys and then about 10 yrs ago I started sewing again when I bought an awesome machine and put me heavily into machine embroidery for about 5 yrs. I felt I wanted more so then I turned to blogs online and found so many awesome people wanting to share and explain techniques so others wanting to learn would be able to.
I was thrilled to see this entire line of products that Nancy created and am excited to teach my youngest granddaughter how to sew. Thankfully Nancy also in her wisdom, also created the safety foot to keep the little fingers safe as well. My granddaughter always plays with my fabrics when she comes to visit and when she was really young she and her parents lived here. She was in my sewing room daily and got super excited when the mail would arrive with a package with fabric. She HAD to open it for me and then proceeded every single time to pull it all out and hugged each pieced individually. It was adorable. She had a little stash in a purse I’d given her and would sort through it a few times a week. I know she will be thrilled to learn to sew with Grandma.

My Mother started me on my sewing adventure, as she made us the most gorgeous dresses for school. Many had matching bloomers so that we could play hard during recess. In high school, I was blessed with an amazing sewing teacher, Vivian Bancroft who taught us couture methods and insisted on excellence. Nancy Zieman was a huge part of my adult sewing life. As you wrote, she was always gracious, generous and encouraging. I am now passing on my love of sewing to my grandchildren and anyone that wants to learn!

I learned to sew probably in Girl Scouts, but my mom is the one who bought me my first, nice sewing machine when I was 14. My 6 year old just got her first machine for Christmas and I am so excited to share my love of sewing with her. This package would be perfect!

My mom taught me to sew as a preteen. When they let me, I am teaching my sons some of the basics. They don’t have to fall in love with it or be good at it but I want them comfortable with some of the tools and concepts.

It was my dear mom who took the time to teach me the basics of sewing. Even though she had 7 other kids at home who all needed her attention, she’d sit down with me and give me a lesson on the sewing machine when I was ready to start something new. Then when I went to junior high school, it was Miss Wilhelm who took me further into the sewing world, teaching me about darts, zippers, buttonholes and how to re-size a pattern. Their love of sewing stuck with me like glue! Bless all those who teach others!

My mom taught me to sew as a kid. I’ve loved sewing all of my life. I was fortunate to meet Nancy Zieman 4 years ago at a Babylock Event. She was so kind and personable. She did some lectures and one was on landscape quilting. I learned so much that day, and my heart broke when she passed away. Truly a sewing legend, and she will be missed by so many.

My mother taught me how to sew. Growing up, until I was in the 9th grade my mom and I made my clothes. I had some dolls called Liddle Kiddles that I hand sewed dresses for. I would like to share my love of sewing with my grand daughters.

I am trying to share my love of sewing with my 10-year-old granddaughter. She loves to “stitch” doll clothes and blankets, and loves to receive a new stash of fabric scraps as much as any seasoned sewer. I slow my Janome down to a very slow stitch as she studiously and slowly makes her way down a seem. It is a wonderful bonding experience for us, and she will be able to carry this skill on into adulthood. I must add that Nancy’s passing is so sad – I really only started sewing when my granddaughter was little, and have used Nancy’s help and expertise online and on youtube more than once.

I actually taught myself to sew but one of my nieces loves to sew. I have been showing her basic stuff and she has made small pillows for her dolls and a small quilt too. I love to create and my hope is she also grows to love to create!

My sweet Momma taught me. I would love to teach all of my seven grandchildren who live far from me. When we do travel to see each other wei try to make at least one mini sewing lesson. They all hope to come up for a cousin sewing camp this summer! I do teach sewing classes young girls and boys who live near me. Precious families of children who are not my family but are a joy to pass on this art to!

I am so looking forward to sewing with my now 3-year old daughter. She loves to look at my fabric stash and has helped me select the fabric for her doll quilt I am currently making. She loves t do crafts and bake with me and her younger brother…I hope that love keeps growing and becomes something we all share together.

My mother sewed for me, including the outfit that I wore to my first job interview (which while there, the manager made a comment that what I was wearing was perfect, and I could wear more similar outfits on the job). Sadly, I was around it so much, I didn’t realize how special it was, now I am trying to learn alongside my daughter, with gracious help and encouragement from my mom!

My mother taught me to sew.. If I had an “oops,” she taught me to at least rip out the “oops” before I left the project and to correct if I could. That way I did not have the daunting task of ripping out an error to think about when returning to the project. I had some semblance of a fresh start.

My mom taught me how to sew. We’ve learned to quilt together and I am lucky enough to have her living here in our home. We have a joint “sewcial room” and have together taught my daughter to sew and quilt. I love the happy chatter in that room. Sewing truly is social for us!

I would love for my daughters to enjoy sewing like I do. I’m mostly self-taught, which was a difficult journey. I’m teaching them the basics while I’m learning more challenging techniques. I hope they learn to love having the skills to create whatever they can imagine!

I will share both. I am inspired by my grandmother as I used to sit at her side while she sewed flour sacks into blankets on her old beautiful machine. I would share with my daughter and goddaughter who are wanting to learn so they can make clothes for their dolls.

I have a friend who listened to me say for a couple of years that I wanted to make a Christmas tree skirt and even had fabric, but didn’t know how to sew. She finally parked me at her machine and got me going. Seven years later, I’m still sewing. Thanks, Kera!

I’d love to get any of my five daughters going on sewing. My 6 and 5-year-olds like to help direct quilt pieces under the needle. I was like the Elizabeth who hated all things domestic because it was stupid girl stuff and boys got to do all the fun things. Change of perspective – quilting is ART!!

My Mother taught me how to sew, and I would like to teach my Granddaughter how to sew. Her Mother does not sew at all, and I would like for her to at least learn how to hem pants, or repair a rip, if not to make a quilt!

I learned to sew from Mrs. Frost my 7th grade sewing teacher ( not Home Ec, just straight up sewing). I loved it from the first day and took every sewing class offered at school. Mrs. Frost moved to the new high school when it opened and so I got the privilege of continuing my sewing education with her including a tailoring class which culminated with an entry in the “Make it with Wool” contest. She was picky and demanding and I just wanted to hurry and have a finished project, but I learned so many great techniques from her. I would not be the sewer I am today if not for her instruction. I hope to someday teach someone to sew and perhaps ignite the same fire Mrs. Frost did on me. I love to follow you gals on SM and hope I get the chance to meet you in person.

Wow! How cool is this give away!!!! My mother taught me to sew. I never appreciated all her hard work and effort until I became a mother and realized how much love she put into teaching me. She should be sainted for her patience!

I’ve tried hard to not “make” my kids quilt, but my 8 year old and 6 year old have both recently expressed interest in sewing. This book looks like just what I need to know where to start…and I have a huge crush on your latest fabric line!!

My mom taught me to sew but when I sew sentimental things, like my babies blessing dresses, I swear I can always smell my grandma or feel her near. She was an amazing seamstress and sewed until her fingers were too swollen from arthritis to do it anymore. I am blessed to have many of her creations still. My favorite is the bride doll she made each of the granddaughters. I am teaching my daughter to sew right now and have some smaller ones asking often for me to teach them too. This would be wonderful to help with that!

My grandmother’s both sewed and quilted when I was little but they passed away when I was still really young. So, I taught myself to sew and quilt. I am always still learning. Have a great day. angielovesgary2 atgmail dotcom

My wonderful grandmother, Alice, taught me how to sew on her brand new (back in 1968) Bernina sewing machine that had all of the bells and whistles. My grandfather, Karl, built her a custom sewing cabinet with five drawers and a bar she could press with her knee so she wouldn’t have to push the pedal with her foot. When my grandmother passed away, I inherited her sewing machine, and it still works like a charm, almost 50 years later. Each time I use it now, it takes me back to those days of sewing with my beloved grandmother. It makes me so happy!

I began working when I was 14 year’s old. My first Job was at a sewing factory named Storey’s Mgf. That was back in 1981, when they did not check identification they only asked for social security number. The Lady that taught me to sew for the first time ever, was Carolyn Joyner. She was a excellent teacher, she had lots of patience with me and I excelled. We made women’s dresses, pant suits, Blazers, Slacks, Skirts, 2 piece dresses. And then my mother taught me how to quilt. I have been sewing ever since then. I enjoy it very much , that I have been doing it since then til now. Beginning 1981 to present. It is a passion of mine. I don’t have any daughters but I do have a daughter in law. But she doesn’t want nothing to do with it. I do have a niece she does show interest in sewing but has her career as a R.N. currently. I still have hope that I will have a granddaughter one day soon. And Perhaps I can shine the light of sewing, quilting, crafting, creating something the way you/I want it uniquely done. So yes, I hole to pass it down to my grandchildren the Light the gift of Sewing, ONE STITCH AT A TIME, ONE BUTTON IN A HOLE, ONE ZIPPER ON A BAG, A HEM ON A SKIRT, OR EVEN A PILLOWCASE. Thank you for the chance to win this awesome GIVEAWAY.

My mother taught me to embroider when I was 4, that was to learn the basics of sewing. She sewed on a treadle machine, we couldn’t afford anything newer, and I sat at her feet moving the treadle. When I was five she started me on hand sewing then from there moved to the sewing machine. I have been sewing ever since, stopped for a couple of years as life got in the way but always have come back to sewing. I find that when all is chaos – sewing is calm. I have started to teach my granddaughter to sew, I find that teaching to sew is a lot harder than just sitting down and sewing. So much in sewing that I take for granted, now I find that no one knows what you are talking about – finding the grain, selvages, seams, and the list just goes on. So after I explain all these things we finally get to the machine and she has lost interest, but we are slowly getting there with sewing. One day she will “inherit” everything in the sewing room and hopefully know how to use it.

My mom taught me to sew garments. I am a self taught quilter. I hope to teach both of my boys to sew, because I believe everyone can benefit from owning it as a skill! For the time being they’re happy to push the “start” button on my embriodery machine. 🙂

I already sewed a little bit, but really learned in a small group working on Girl Scout sewing badge. The leader had a home ec degree from a top school, and knew everything. She taught us the proper way to do everything, and had us make lots of samples. I went on to earn the Dressmaker badge in junior high, and made most of my own clothes by the 9th grade.

So many people have taught me and still teach me to sew. It started with my mom and went into college . I still remember a teacher who taught us “There are no mistakes only learning experiences”. I still learn today from friends and my mom as we get together for sewing days. I love it! Anyone at any level is welcome and we all help each other. I love this idea of being able to sew projects kids will love and be able to make. I would love to share this with my 7 year old daughter.

This is so much fun!!! My mom taught me to sew and I am looking forward to the day that I can teach my daughter to sew also!! She seems so small now, but I know it won’t be too long before she will want to help me out with my projects!!

My mother taught me to sew. It was the best way to get new clothes when I was growing up. I have taken opportunities to plant seeds for almost every child I spend time with, over the years. Sewing and/or crochet…

I have twin granddaughters I would love to teach to sew–either or both–just hoping at least one of them will learn and enjoy my stash/investment in their future quilting. 🙂 Looks like a great book and the fabric sounds perfect for the girls.

My mother started teaching me to embroider when I was little. I think I must have been about five. I remember sitting on the doorstep with her, and we were both embroidering. I felt so proud of myself. She bought me a little embroidery kit at the grocery store. It was a picture of a boy fishing. I want my two granddaughters to feel the same pride and joy I felt.

When I was very young, mygreat grandmother and great aunt taught me how to embroider and that was the start of my love of crafting, fabric and textiles. My mom showed me the basics when I was in middle school but I didn’t do much sewing until recently, over 20 years later. Now I call my aunt who used to work in the LA garment district for advice on my sewing projects. I love that so many people have helped me along on my sewing journey. It makes it feel like a family tradition.

I took a sewing class in high school which taught me the basics, but I feel like I really learned to sew from my mom when I was expecting my first baby and sewed a little dress for her to wear. My mom guiding me the whole way! Since then I have loved sewing for my four girls the very most! I have one every daughter who sews and would love to teach my 10 year old daughter to sew too.

My Mother taught me to sew by hand at an about 7 years old. Eventually we graduated to using her sewing machine as well. I’ve always been grateful to her for this as it is still a big part of my life. I mostly do quilt making only now. I have had some sewing lessons with my granddaughter, but she lives a good distance away, so I don’t see her very often. However one of my grandsons near me has shown quite an interest in my sewing and he is now 6 so he might be my new little partner in sewing! Thanks for the chance!

My mother and grandmother were both instrumental in teaching me to sew. I was in 4-H and took Home Ec in school and learned how to improve my sewing. My daughter learned to sew but she didn’t enjoy the process. So now her 5 yr old daughter is asking to learn and of course I said yes! Can’t wait to start.

My mother taught me to sew from a young age. Now, we both encourage my children, son age7 and daughter age, to sew with us as often as possible. They love to create things and feel so proud when they have finished sewing something.

My mother-in-law inspired me to sew because she has sewn and quilted so many beautiful quilts. I would love to share my excitement for sewing with my 4-year old daughter. My sweet husband gave me a sewing machine for my first mother’s day almost six years ago now, and I am so thankful he did!

Love this line and book, Nancy Z. Left us with a great legacy, will miss her very much! I was thought the basics by my paternal grandma later on I leatn most of what I know on my own or through Shows and videos. I would love to share this craft with my you gest niece, thanks for the chance to win!

My mother taught me to sew when I was probably 7 years old. I now have 3 granddaughters and am looking forward to teaching them to sew when they are a little older . Most of what I see now is for them or their mom. Just seeing the love and appreciation in their eyes when I make them something is so rewarding. The girls are 5, 4 and 2 but they all say they want to learn to sew like Nanny does.

I taught myself to sew and quilt 16 years ago after my mother in law died of cancer. She was an amazing quilter, I inherited all of her sewing and quilting things and have been quilting ever since. I have 4 granddaughters , I have started teaching 3 of them and my youngest granddaughter will start learning when she gets a little older, she is 4 years old a nd wants to quilt like Nana does, lol.

My love of “all things sewing” related began when I was a small child watching my tailor-by-trade grandmother. My 9 year old granddaughter is now showing interest and I’m very happy to share my love of sewing with her.

My Mothet taught me to sew when I was a young girl. I made simple gathered skirts. When I was in high school I took Home Ec and made more advanced patterns of clothing. I have two young granddaughters that are now interested in learning to sew.

My home -ec teacher ruined me for sewing. I wouldn’t even try, even though I come from a family of seamstress’s. My mom and my older sister have talent beyond belief. From suits to slip covers to full length cape’s with hand sewn seed beads to go with the prom gowns. My most remembered is a plaid skirts with matching lined coat with all the plaids matched up, (my 4th grade teacher paraded me through school in this Xmas present). Well to the present…about 4 years ago my then 88 year old mother decided to fulfill a life long dream., (with six kids, she would only dream) she bought herself a babylock ellegante. As I pretty much was spending 5 days a week with her I was drafted into cutting and ironing so she could complete her projects (her arthritis did make cutting easy, and she hates to iron) and sew it began. I now have more machines, thread and fabric then anyone else in the family, am doing a block swap wth my sister. Who would have ever believed it, not me!

Learned to sew from my grandma, mom and 4-H. Have started planting the seed with my 3 granddaughters by letting them glue fabric scraps on paper quilts! The oldest has graduated to making pillowcases! Thanks for the chance to win this prize. We will all miss Nancy!

I really loved Nancy and was very saddened by her passing. What a perfect tribute and final memory of her passion for creating! I wasn’t able to take sewing lessons or be mentored by anyone directly but instead was blessed by the light of many magszines and later bloggers and YouTubers like Fons and Porter and Jenny from Missouri quilt company. The entire sewing and quilting communities are such a huge light in my life and daily inspire me to enjoy crafting and keep learning.

Both of my grandmother’s are amazing seamstress! Every year my grandma would make me a new summer dress. Most of the time out of a red paisley design that had cute cow figurings. I must have had 3 or 4 of the same dress just in different sizes. I received my first homemade quilt from my best friend as a moving away present. I remember thinking how special it was to have this gift that not only she had worked on but I knew her whole family had. Now that I’m a mom and have more free time then I did working full time. I have really enjoyed the calming energy that sewing has brought into my life. It has become my little quiet place during nap time 🙂

My mother and grandmother both taught me to sew, and both let me use their sewing machines from the time I was four years old. My grandmother had a treadle machine I just loved! My mom was a fantastic seamstress and often made clothes for my sister and I, was an upholsterer, and worked as a seamstress for a dance costume company – we had plenty of sequins and fancy trims to play with.! I’m so fortunate all that experience was passed on to me and it inspires me everyday!

My mother taught me how to sew. When I was little she used to make all of my clothes because they couldn’t afford to buy them. She also shared her love of sewing with my daughter, who is now also an avid sewer. My mother is in her late eighties and still sews for various charities.

My mom taught me how to sew and embroider. My biggest influence was my dad, who helped me make my first quilt for my daughter. It was a family project – he did the cutting and I did the sewing. We did the layout and piecing together. One of my fondest memories, and something that I hope to share with her.

I would love to share my love of sewing with my daughter and son. I know they will love creating wonderful things with fabric and thread someday (they’re both under 3 years old) and I can’t wait to teach them all I know and do projects together!

My mother when I was 13/14 years old. We made matching shorts for my birthday little brother and me to wear on a family vacation. In her 50’s she started quilting . She made quilts for all of our family members. We lost her in 2013 at the age of 66. I have some fabric from her stash that I haven’t quite figure s out what to do with. Not sure I even have the heart to cut it!

I am self-taught in the sewing arena after being inspired by beautiful projects I would see in Martha Stewart magazines.. I would love to teach my three girls how to sew. It would be fun to have a sewing buddy.

I was such a young girl but I remember how my grandma was so ill but wanted to teach me to sew and quilt. Bless her heart, but she was able to teach me all the basics and after she passed away her church friends friends finished teaching me more and they finished her quilt tops for me to have. I love quilting….. thank you grandma for cherished memories.

I learned to sew from my Grandmother and then from a home economics class in middle school. I now teach children to sew and Nancy is a genius to come up with this whole program. Passing along this skill to others is a gift that keeps on giving.

on the most part I have taught myself to sew but I run a little local sewing club and I LOVE encouraging members to push themselves and try new things. I am always happy to share what knowledge I have picked up overs the years but also still love to learn from the other members. I arrange workshops where I can for everyone to learn something new and I genuinally get pleasure out of seeing my members developing and learning new skills

I came late to sewing. My mother was an incredible seamstress and tried to teach me, but at the time I wasn’t very interested. Now I love quilting and am teaching my grand-girls (ages 11, 9 and 7) to sew. They love it! And I love spending time and creating memories with them.

I learned how to sew at school but I wanted to learn because I saw my mother do it and my great grandmother was an avid sewist when she was younger. I’m planning on teaching my 12 year old this year and my 9 year old will join in next year.

I learned to sew from my mom. She made most of the clothing for me and my two sisters while we were growing up and she still quilts. I also learned from reading and trial and error. I have also moved into quilting. Two of my daughters sew and, so far, I have four beautiful granddaughters that we hope to pass the love of sewing/crafting/quilting on to.

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